Partial Auricular Defects; Classification & Reconstruction Guideline

Abstract

Background: The protruding position of the auricle makes it  susceptible to trauma and results in a wide variety of auricular
defects .Therefore many techniques had been developed for reconstruction .To select a proper technique may represent a
challenge to the occasional otoplastic surgeon. This article proposes a classification and suggests guideline for reconstruction of acquired auricular defects.
Methods: From May 2004 to December 2006, 49 male victims with acquired auricle defects underwent reconstructive surgery.
The proposed classification and the therapeutic guidelines were implemented. Among the surgical options, simple direct closure
for wedge defects were accomplished, helical advancement technique for moderate auricular defects confined to the helix, and cartilage patch grafts for major auricle loss. Clinical assessment of the outcome in form of good, satisfactory and poor was recorded in the patient’s last visit.
Results: Early complication was seen in one patient and late complications in two. In those that presented late; one presented

with size problem and the other with size and shape problems. The results were good in 36 patients, satisfactory in 11, poor in two.

Conclusion: Among several therapeutic options; selecting the proper procedure for specific auricular defect can be better guided by the proposed classification.